There’s been relatively little work done on the duration, or
“tempo,” of early puberty, but that, too, seems to be important,
Keenan says. Her research indicates that depression is associated
with both age of onset of puberty and the tempo of the
transition (Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 2014).

While researchers have a lot to learn about early puberty,
their findings already suggest hints for helping kids navigate
the path toward adolescence. Children who learn better coping
skills may be buffered from some of the negative effects of
maturing young. Lisa Sontag Padilla, PhD, of the RAND Corp.,
and colleagues found that among girls who matured early,
those who had lower executive functioning and those who
experienced more reactivity to the stress hormone cortisol
were more likely to experience maladjustment (Developmental
Psychopathology, 2012).

Rudolph, too, has found that kids with pre-existing
emotional problems, poor coping mechanisms and family
stressors have a particularly difficult time negotiating early
puberty.

“During adolescence, those kids who are more able torespond adaptively to stressors, who engage in planful efforts todeal with problems or regulate emotions, seem to be protectedfrom effects of early puberty on depression,” she says. “We needto bolster kids’ coping resources.”So far, there aren’t many interventions designed specificallyto help ferry kids through the choppy waters of pubertaldevelopment. But perhaps, says Mendle, there should be.

“There’s a case to be made that we should pay more attention
to the psychological vulnerability of this stage of life.” n

See auprograms.info for program duration, tuition, fees and other costs, median debt,
salary data, alumni success, and other important information.

YOU’RE NOT JUST PART
OF A CLASS.

YOU’RE PART OF A LEGACY.

At Argosy University, we have a proud history of diversity,
academic excellence, and community engagement. Our
clinical psychology leaders and distinguished faculty
have a deep commitment to the education and clinical
training of the next generation of professional psychologists.

This comprehensive approach to education reflects our
commitment to prepare you to meet the challenges of the
diverse people and communities you will serve.

And that commitment to you is reflected in the profession’s
commitment to us. We’re proud to say that the Doctor of
Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) program at each of
our ten schools listed below has received accreditation from the
APA, certifying that the programs meet their rigorous standards.

Each of our ten locations offers a degree in:

DOCTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY (PSYD)

IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Arizona School of Professional Psychology
at Argosy University
American School of Professional Psychology
at Argosy University | Southern California
American School of Professional Psychology
at Argosy University | San Francisco Bay Area

Florida School of Professional Psychology
at Argosy University
Georgia School of Professional Psychology
at Argosy University
Hawai’i School of Professional Psychology
at Argosy University
Illinois School of Professional Psychology
at Argosy University | Chicago

Illinois School of Professional Psychology
at Argosy University | Schaumburg
Minnesota School of Professional Psychology
at Argosy University
American School of Professional Psychology
at Argosy University | Washington DC